OpenFOAM vs Yenka Physics
OpenFOAM
openfoam.comYenka Physics
yenka.comSide by side
| Figure | OpenFOAM | Yenka Physics |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Physics Simulation Software | 8.7 (#5) | 7.7 (#43) |
| Delivery mode | desktop | desktop |
| Headquarters | Bracknell, Berkshire, UK | Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Intended users | OpenCFD describes its services for science and engineering companies, consultancies, and universities. | The maker describes Yenka as educational modelling software and offers school site licences and a teacher trial by contacting support. |
| Purpose | OpenFOAM is an open-source computational fluid dynamics toolbox for simulating fluid flow, heat transfer, and related physical processes. | Yenka Physics is a simulator for experimenting with physics in a colourful, accurate environment. |
| Security | OpenFOAM documentation states that user-supplied system calls are disabled unless allowSystemOperations is enabled, and warns that system calls carry potential security risk. | Sumdog says its security measures include encryption in transit and at rest, firewalls, multi-factor authentication, malware protection, staff training and physical access controls; it also holds Cyber Essentials certification. |
| Support | OpenCFD offers a one-year support package covering installation, bug fixes, updates, CFD assistance, and code customisation, with a maximum number of service hours per year. | The privacy notice directs Yenka support enquiries to [email protected]. |
| 3D visuals | Yes | Yes |
Plans
In their own words
OpenFOAM
OpenFOAM is a free, open-source computational fluid dynamics toolbox for simulating fluid flow, heat transfer, and related physical processes. It provides pre-processing, mesh generation, solvers for different flow and physics problems, and post-processing tools. Built-in utilities include blockMesh and snappyHexMesh, and it can convert meshes from external formats. ParaView visualization is supported through the paraFoam launcher, reader modules, VTK conversion, and VTK output during simulations. OpenFOAM runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and supports self-hosted use. Its current release is v2606, released on 26 June 2026; GPU offloading is available as a compile-time option, with that work on a separate development track. It is distributed under the GNU General Public Licence. OpenCFD offers a one-year support package for installation, fixes, updates, CFD assistance, and code customization, subject to a yearly service-hours maximum. It does not respond to support queries without a prior package. Training courses are also offered, with prices provided through a schedule or enquiry process.
Yenka Physics
Yenka Physics has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.